In a press release, the organizers invited women as both individuals and groups to join the event and to help give a voice to the voiceless and shed a light on the suffering and injustice that have befallen the Palestinian people for decades under the Israeli occupation.

The High Committee of the Great March of Return hopes that women across the globe will join the protests, both in Gaza itself and by holding solidarity events in their own countries to demand an end to the 12-year Israeli blockade of Gaza, imposed in 2006, which has affected all aspects of life, from the economy to health, education, access and freedom of movement, farming, fishing, and the rebuilding efforts following three devastating Israeli bombings. More broadly the Committee calls for an end to the 70-year occupation of Palestine.

The Committee reiterated that this protest is affiliated with no political party, faction or government, but independently represents all Palestinians regardless of political affiliation.

A 2012 UN report warned that Gaza would become “unlivable” by 2020 unless current trends were reversed.